Maya Stark

Chapter 52: Wizards don't exist

I had texted Sam that I was swinging by, one: to figure out where I was swinging by, and two: to give him a heads up. So, when I pulled up to the base, he met me by the door with a scowl on his face.

'Why so grumpy, birdie?' I asked as we walk into the base.

'I saw the news,' he said. 'It's everywhere. Maya Stark has outed herself as the Shadow.'

I shrug. 'It was going to happen eventually. Might as well be on my own accord.'

'Look, I know why you're here, but I really don't have the time,' Sam said. 'I'm about to go after these people and the whole Walker-shield-thing is low on my list of things to worry about.'

'What do you mean "bigger things"? What bigger things?'

'Nothing for you to worry about,' he said.

'Oh, come on, Sam,' I groaned. I stopped him from walking. 'Look, let me help you so I don't go home, think about the shield situation, and decide to go after Walker myself. I mean that wouldn't be good for anyone. I just need to get out.'

Sam sighs. 'Fine. But you gotta do what I say, okay?'

'Sure.'

He rolled his eyes as we started walking again. 'I'll brief you on the plane.'

I nodded as I followed him through the base. I can start to see the plane when Bucky comes walking into view. He seemed angry.

'Great,' Sam muttered. 'I get both of you today.'

'You two shouldn't have given up the shield,' Bucky said as we reach the last step.

'Good to see you too, Buck,' Sam said as we start walking towards the jet.

'This is wrong,' he said, joining us.

'Hey, hey, look,' Sam said. 'We're working on it, alright?'

'Yeah, so all of your outrage will just have to wait,' I said sarcastically.

'Neither of you knew that was going to happen?' Bucky asked.

'No, of course not!' I said a little too loudly. 'If I did, we'd still have that shield.'

'Look, you think it didn't break my heart to see them march him out there and call him the new Captain America?' Sam said.

'This isn't what Steve wanted,' Bucky said. 'I figured you would know that, Maya.' I stared straight, trying to suppress the thoughts telling me he was right, that I failed Steve.

'Okay, Bucky, stop,' Sam said, shaking his head. 'What do you want either of us to do? Call America and tell 'em I changed my mind? Huh?' Sam chuckles and pats Bucky on the back. 'Yeah right. It's a great reunion, buddy, be well.'

'You had no right to give up the shield, Sam,' Bucky said.

Sam stopped walking abruptly and I hung back too. 'This is what you're not gonna do.' Sam pointed at Bucky. 'You're not gonna come here in your overextended life and tell me about my rights. It's over, Bucky. Besides, I already have the kid pestering me and I have bigger things to deal with now.'

'What could be bigger than this?' Bucky asked. My heart pained to see him so... sad. He looked like he hadn't been sleeping either. Bucky looked utterly broken.

'This guy,' Sam said, showing Bucky and I a picture of a guy in a mask. 'He has connections with rebel organizations all over Eastern and Central Europe, and he's strong. Too strong.'

'And?' Bucky asked.

'Well, he's been connected to this online group called the Flag Smashers,' Sam said. 'Now, redwing traced them to a building somewhere outside of Munich. So that's where I'm going.' 

Sam and I started walking again.

'Well, I don't trust Redwing,' Bucky said. 'Hold on a minute.' Sam and I stopped again.

'You don't have to trust Redwing,' Sam said, 'but Imma go see if he's right. Cause I have a feeling they might be part of the Big Three.'

'What Big Three?' Bucky asked and I furrowed my eyebrows, also confused.

'The Big Three,' Sam said, like it was obvious.

'What Big three?' I asked, confused.

Sam rolled his eyes. 'Androids, aliens, and wizards.'

'That's not a thing,' Bucky said.

'That's definitely a thing,' Sam countered.

'No, it's not,' Bucky and I said at the same time.

'Every time we fight, we fight one of the three.'

'So, who are we fighting now, Gandalf?' Bucky asked. Both Sam and I looked at him surprised.

'How do you know about Gandalf?' Sam asked.

'I read The Hobbit in 1937, when it first came out,' Bucky said.

'So, you see my point?' Sam said.

'No, I don't,' Bucky said.

'There are no wizards,' I agreed.

'Doctor Strange.'

'Doctor Strange is a sorcerer,' Bucky said.

'Aah!' Sam said with a laugh. 'A sorcerer is a wizard without a hat. Think about it. Right? I'm right. I just came up with that.'

'That doesn't make any sense,' I said, shaking my head. 'Doctor Strange is not a wizard.'

'Fine then what about you? Wicked witch of the west, am I right?' Sam said, looking to Bucky.

'I am not...' I hesitate slightly. 'I am not a witch.'

'Sure, you aren't,' Sam said, rolling his head. 'That's not the point, anyway. These guys aren't magical like you, Maya. They use brute force just like you,' he looks to Bucky, 'the incredibly annoying guy in front of me with a staring problem.' I laugh at that as Sam starts to walk towards the plane again.

'I'm coming with you!' Bucky said as he followed me, who was following Sam.

'No, you're not,' Sam called back.

'This'll be fun,' I mumbled as Bucky caught up with me.